June 22nd, 2018: Goshawk Aviation is to acquire SKY Leasing’s Irish subsidiary in a move that will swell Goshawk's fleet by 51 aircraft, bring its total fleet to 183 aircraft with a value of $9.1 billion. The move also adds 17 new customers to Goshawk's client list. The deal is to be financed mainly through unsecured debt financing with the financing profile of the transaction expected to be overall credit enhancing to Goshawk as it will diversify its asset base and increase unencumbered assets.

The agreement will see Goshawk Aviation Limited acquire all of the outstanding shares of SKY Leasing’s (SKY) Irish subsidiary, Sky Aviation Leasing International Limited (SALI). SALI's debut ABS issuance was a winner in Finance Dublin Deals of the Year Awards 2018. Goshawk says the move will further enhance its business profile as the pro forma company will consist of 183 owned, managed and committed aircraft with a total fleet value of $9.1bn. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Goshawk will acquire the SALI aircraft leasing business comprising 51 owned and committed aircraft. The pro forma company will encapsulate Goshawk’s commitment to a young fleet with a well-managed maturity profile. Goshawk’s customer portfolio will be further diversified through the addition of 17 new lessees and 6 new countries resulting in a pro forma company with aircraft on lease to 65 lessees in 35 countries.

The transaction will be financed by a majority of unsecured debt financing, with assumption of the S-JETS ABS notes transferred with the acquisition and additional contribution from Goshawk’s shareholders. These sources of funds will further diversify Goshawk’s current financing sources. The financing profile of the transaction is overall credit enhancing to Goshawk, and will diversify its asset base and increase unencumbered assets.

With a pro forma fleet value of $9.1bn, this acquisition will place Goshawk as a top 10 leasing company within five years of its foundation in late 2013. Goshawk’s growth has been supported by its shareholders, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited and NWS Holdings Limited, as they take a long-term investment view on the aircraft leasing sector which meets their objectives of generating attractive and steady returns.

Brian Cheng, Chairman of Goshawk and Executive Director of NWS Holdings, said, “The acquisition is strategic and accelerates Goshawk’s growth while maintaining the quality of its portfolio. We continue to be confident about the aircraft leasing sector and look forward to the further evolution of Goshawk in the years ahead.”

“The acquisition of SALI represents an exciting milestone for Goshawk,” said Ruth Kelly, CEO, Goshawk. “The SKY team has built a high-quality portfolio that aligns with our focus on young, liquid aircraft and furthers Goshawk’s growth objectives.”